Mysore Yoga Traditions Online Studies Program Presents
Shvetashvatara Upanishad
Online Philosophy Course with Dr. H. V. Nagaraj Rao
STARTING SUNDAY, MAY 5th 2024
8:30AM CENTRAL USA TIME
2:30PM WESTERN EUROPE
7PM INDIA TIME
"Shvetashvatara Upanishad: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Life"
Join us for another mystical journey into ancient Indian thought with Dr. Rao! Learn the ancient concepts behind the yoga you love to practice! Dr. Rao introduces this ancient philosophy in a way that only a true master in Indian knowledge systems can do.
Explore the six chapters of the Upanishad, delving into its 113 mantras or verses. Under Dr. Rao’s expert guidance, you'll explore the metaphysical questions posed at the outset of the text, contemplating the primal cause of all existence and the roles of time, nature, and spirit.
One of the highlights of this course is the exploration of the concept of Ishvara, a universal concept of God, as a path to realizing one's Highest Self. You'll examine the Upanishad's discussions on Shiva and other Vedic deities, learning about Shaivism as a central theme.
In addition to its philosophical depth, the Shvetashvatara Upanishad holds significance as a foundational text in the philosophy of Shaivism, as well as in the Yoga and Vedanta schools of Hinduism. You will learn about the Upanishad's influence on these traditions and its relevance to contemporary spiritual practices.
Our course doesn't just stop at textual analysis; it invites you to apply the wisdom of the Shvetashvatara Upanishad to your own life. Through guided reflections and discussions, we will explore how these ancient teachings can enrich your understanding of yourself, your relationships, and the world around you.
Whether you're a seasoned scholar of Hindu philosophy or new to the teachings of the Upanishads, this course offers a profound journey of self-discovery and spiritual exploration. Join us as we unlock the timeless wisdom of the Shvetashvatara Upanishad and uncover its relevance for navigating the complexities of modern life.
Key Course Highlights:
- In-depth exploration of the Shvetashvatara Upanishad's six chapters and 113 verses
- Examination of metaphysical questions on the nature of existence, time, and the self
- Discussion on the concept of Ishvara and the role of deities such as Shiva
- Exploration of the Upanishad's influence on Shaivism, Yoga, and Vedanta
- Application of ancient wisdom to contemporary life through guided reflections and discussions
Our instructor, Dr. H. V. Nagaraj Rao, is no ordinary Sanskrit scholar. He is a shining star from Mysore, a man with a lifetime of knowledge and experience to share, and we consider it a great honor to share his knowledge with the world. With his razor-sharp wit and lighthearted humor, he is one of our favorite teachers. We have full confidence that this lecture series will be a profound experience for everyone who attends.
Learning from a great scholar like Dr. Rao offers a whole new perspective. When we study Indian Philosophy with someone who has a lifetime of experience and a deep understanding of cross-references from other texts and traditional interpretations, the experience becomes a direct transmission of knowledge, worldview, and life experience.
MORE ABOUT DR. RAO
Vidwan H.V. Nagaraja Rao is a great scholar of Sanskrit grammar who has been trained in both traditional and modern methods of education. His specialty is Sanskrit grammar and poetics. In his early years, he was a researcher at the Oriental Research Institute in Mysore and has published many original Sanskrit works with English and Kannada translations. Dr. Rao has also lectured in many countries around the world, including Thailand, Hong Kong, the United States, Israel, and England. He has taught Sanskrit at the University of Chicago as a visiting professor and was invited as a fellow to the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Dr. Rao guided the World Sanskrit Conference in Edinburgh, England, in 2006, where he delivered a speech in chaste Sanskrit. Dr. Rao was awarded honors for his translations by the Sahitya Academy, the highest literary body in India, in 2006. Recently, he was chosen for honor by the President of India as a noted Sanskrit scholar. He is the honorary editor of Sudharma, the only Sanskrit daily newspaper in the world. With his razor-sharp wit, at the age of 80, Dr. Rao continues his lifelong passion for teaching and sharing ancient Indian knowledge systems with people from around the world.
Professor Rao has an uncanny ability to shed new light on texts such as the Gita and the Upanishads with his infectious passion and his ability to communicate in English, which is rare among Sanskrit scholars of his stature. Students leave his presentations with a feeling of liberation from the mundane and inspiration to strive for higher goals in life.
The course will proceed as follows:
6 Sundays / 6 hours of lecture with Dr. Rao. (Each lecture will be a minimum of 1 hour, with time for questions and answers at the end)
*Depending on how many questions we have and how quickly we move through the material it may take only 5 weeks to complete the course.
Lecture Dates:
- May 5
- May 12
- May 19
- May 26
- June 2
- June 9
Tuition: $90 USD
To join the course, please fill out the form below, submit, and then click “join the course” for payment. *If you don't fill out the form, you will not receive your Zoom links!
If you cannot attend the live sessions, don’t worry! Class recordings will be provided to all participants. Recordings are yours to keep after the course is complete.
*we have a limited number of discount scholarships for sincere students who have difficulty to pay the full tuition. Contact Andrew for details.